There are various types of tail lifts available on the market. The differences in lifting capacity, functionality, and operational cycle time mean that some types of tail lifts are better suited for specific uses.
Cantilever lifts
Cantilever tail lifts are mounted on the chassis of the vehicle with hydraulic rams on the hinges. This makes it ideal for handling heavier weights compared to Column or Tuckaway tail lifts. The hinges also allow the tail lift to tilt so the platform can also be used as a ramp instead of a lift.
The advantage of using a column tail lift is that it can lift higher than the vehicle’s bed level which is handy for vehicles with beds that are not the standard dock height.
However, since the lift platform only extends at a 90-degree angle, the lift may not sit flush on even ground which can make loading and offloading more complicated.